Super Wild Card Weekend in the NFL playoffs continues on Sunday with a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles. Philadelphia owns the home field after advancing to another NFC East title, while San Francisco earned a wild card spot out of the super-powered NFC West.
Let’s get into my predictions for the 49ers vs. Eagles.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles odds
Money line: 49ers +220 / Eagles -270
Spread: 49ers +5.5 (-102) / Eagles -5.5 (-118)
Total: Over 44.5 (-108) / Under 44.5 (-112)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles best bet #1: Eagles -5.5 (-118)
The Eagles have been the beast of the NFC for most of the three-plus seasons, representing the conference in the Super Bowl twice – and won it last year. Philadelphia shows few signs — if any — of slowing down. Head coach Nick Sirianni’s team may not be the favorite to win the NFC this time around, but they certainly have a realistic chance. The Birds are on a three-game winning streak in reasonable situations (not including a Week 18 loss to Washington in which they rested their starters).
At the very least, the Eagles should be able to take care of business in the wild card round. They are playing very good football right now and enter the playoffs much healthier than their opponents. The Niners’ offense could be without running back Trent Williams and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (both questionable). Brock Purdy was abused again last weekend with a 13-3 beating by the Seahawks. Defensively, linebackers Dee Winters, Luke Gifford, and Renardo Green are all questionable. That’s not exactly what San Francisco needs when Nick Bosa and quarterback Fred Warner are already sidelined. This sounds like a tough spot for coach Kyle Shanahan’s club.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles best player prop bet: Jalen Pain Over 207.5 passing yards (-110)
Hurts passed for at least 230 yards in his last three regular season games. During that time, the times he was held under the 200-yard mark were when the Eagles held big leads – so they could keep the ball on the ground. They may win this weekend, but the game may be a blow against such a formidable opponent in San Francisco. Therefore, Hurts should have many attempts. The Alabama product has surpassed the 207.5 mark in five of the nine playoff contests dating back to the 2021 season, including Super Bowl performances of 221 yards and 301 yards.
He should be in line for another strong showing. First, the 49ers’ defense is ranked No. Second, the weather in Philly won’t be that bad on Sunday (it was pretty bad on Saturday). It will be windy and cold, but nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year. And the rain is gone. Conditions will not be bad in the passing game.
